civilly

adverb

civ·​il·​ly ˈsi-və(l)-lē How to pronounce civilly (audio)
1
: in terms of civil rights, law, or matters
civilly dead
2
: in a civil manner : politely

Examples of civilly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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When a defendant's case is dismissed because of permanent incompetence, judges can consider whether the defendant should be civilly committed for involuntary mental health treatment. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025 Following due process and input from medical professionals, a judge will decide whether Kelly should be civilly committed. Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 The Department of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services periodically bring improper billing cases, both criminally and civilly, against health care providers. Gretchen Morgenson, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025 As a public institution, UVU upholds First Amendment rights and fosters an environment where ideas – popular or controversial – can be exchanged freely, energetically, and civilly. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civilly

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of civilly was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Civilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilly. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

civilly

adverb
civ·​il·​ly ˈsiv-ə(l)-lē How to pronounce civilly (audio)
: in a civil manner : politely

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